Quick-release strap fastener



1936. w. F. HO UGHTONV QUICK RELEASE STRAP FASTENER Filed June 4, 1936 Mae/WM Patented Oct. 13, 1936 NH'TED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

The invention forming the subject of this application relates to improvements in quick-release fastening devices of the type wherein two or more rings or buckles cooperate for adjustably securing a shoulder strap or the like, with a garment to be suspended therefrom.

The main object of the invention is to provide a fastener for shoulder straps and the like which not only permits a quick and practically instantaneous release of the straps, but also permits a slow release of the same whenever desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide the cooperating buckles or members of fastening devices of the character described with means to clamp said members in adjusted position to prevent undesirable slipping or loosening of the straps when the tension thereon is removed.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the detailed description thereof proceeds.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the quick-release fastening devices shown in looking position;

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse section to an enlarged scale taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective of the cooperating fastening elements illustrated in Figures 1 and 2; and

Figure 4 is a front elevation of a modified form of the cooperating fastening elements shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.

As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the drawing, the invention comprises two members designated generally by the reference numerals I and 2. The member I comprises a substantially rectangular frame having side members 3 and 4 connected at their top and bottom ends by cross bars 5 and 6, respectively, the bottom member 6 being provided with serrations 1 adapted to form a gripping edge for a strap or the like connected thereto.

The side 3 of the member I is continued upwardly beyond the bar 5 by an extension 8. From the upper end of the extension 8 a third bar 9 extends parallel to the bars 5 and 6 and terminates in a lug I 0 projecting toward the bar 5 and alined substantially with the side 4 of the member I.

The member 2 comprises a substantially rectangular frame having sides II and I2 connected at their upper ends by a bar I3, the upper edge of which is provided with serrations I I to form an effective gripping edge for a strap or the like connected thereto. The lower ends of the sides II and I2 are connected by a bar I5 substantially parallel to the bar I3. The frame thus formed by the sides II and I2 and the bars I3 and I5 of the member 2 are substantially the same in size as the frame formed by the sides 3 and 4 and the bars 5 and 6 of the member I. The lower end of the 5 member 2 is provided with tabs I6 and IT projecting upwardly from said lower edge in the direction of the sides II and I2, respectively, but spaced therefrom sufliciently to receive frictionally between them the sides I I and I2 and the lower 10 end of the member I.

The members I and 2 are connected for fastening purposes in the manner illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawing. The strap I8 is formed as a loop around the bar I3 of the member 2. The two plies formed by this loop are next passed over the front face of the bar 5 in member I, and are then drawn over the rear face of the bar 9 of member I.

As shown in Figure 2 the member 2- is arranged with its front face against the rear face of member I. The other strap I9 to be secured'in adjusted relation to strap I8 is looped around the bar 6 of member I and the plies formed by this loop are then drawn over the upper edge of bar 5 I5 of member 2 and across the rear face thereof.

It will be apparent from Figure 2 of the drawing that when the straps I 8 and I9 are under tension, the upper part of member 2 will be drawn tightly against the rear face of member I near the bar 5 thereof. At the same time the tension on strap I9 pulls the lower part of member I tightly against the front face of the member 2 near the lower end thereof. So long as these members I and 2 are thus held in contact, it will be obvious that the straps I8 and I9 will be held locked in relatively adjusted position.

It will also be apparent from the drawing that when the straps I8 and I9 are tensioned as shown in Figure 2, the lower end of member I will be seated between the tabs I6 and I1 and the front face of member 2. This engagement of the members I and 2 will prevent any undesirable or accidental separation of the members I and 2 with consequent release of the straps.

The modification shown in Figure 4 of the drawing is the same in principle of operation as the form shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The elements of Figure 4 corresponding to equivalent elements in Figures 1, 2, and 3, are indicated by the same reference numerals primed. It is believed the operation of this form of the invention will also be apparent without further description.

It is to be understood that the invention is not tance substantially equal to the spacing between two of the first named bars, straps looped around the bars of said members and locked thereby in applied to said straps.

relatively adjusted position by tension applied to said straps, and means for clamping. said mem-E' r bers to each other when tension is applied to said straps.

2. A fastener of the character described comprising a buckle member having three spaced apart strap receiving bars, and a second member having strap receiving bars spaced apart at a distance substantially equal to the spacing between two of the first named bars, straps looped around the bars of said members and locked thereby in relatively adjusted position by tension applied to said straps, andclamping tabs on one end of the second member to receive the corresponding end of the first member when tension is WINNIEFRED FAIRE HOUGHTON. V 

